Using Magnets To Help Elders Stay Organized

It may be surprising, but magnets can do wonders to help keep things conveniently organized and accessible for elders. Here are just a few examples of why magnets can be your best friend when making a senior-friendly home.

In The Kitchen

Spice Rack

To make finding the right ingredients a breeze, metal strips on the inside of cabinet doors can hold magnetic spice jars. Such jars are sold in home goods stores, but you can make them yourself by attaching a magnet strip to whatever small container you like.

Utensil Organizer

You can also attach magnets to cooking utensils or use a long magnetic strip to hold metal utensils. Placing these at a sensible height makes it easier for seniors to grab what they want without having to dig through drawers or bins.

In The Bathroom

Polish and Make-up Organizer

Mount a metal sheet (an old cookie sheet works too) on the wall then attach magnets to all your elder’s favorite polishes and make up. Organized by color or any other preference, this makes getting ready far easier than digging through bags and dealing with clasps or zippers.

Hair Care

Use magnets to keep hair care items close at hand and easier to find. Mounted on the wall behind the sink, a metal strip can be used to hold brushes, spray bottles, and pomades. For small items like hair ties or bobby pins, use small magnetized jars.

In The Bedroom

Store Jewelry

Any metal tray or plate can be transformed into a handy decorative magnet board for jewelry. You can set a tray standing up on a dresser or attach it to a wall. Then place small magnets on the tray and hang necklaces, bracelets, even rings over them. This keeps them easily accessible and tangle-free.

Where to Find Magnets

Don’t go pulling all the little magnets off your fridge! Magnets are readily available in most hardware stores. They can also be bought at craft supply shops. Big box stores like Wal-Mart typically carry them in the crafting section too. You can also buy them online.

What Magnets to Use

The kind of magnet you want has an adhesive on one side that makes it easier to attach to whatever you want. (If you can’t find these, hot glue can work too.) Look for small “button-type” magnets that are relatively thin and about half an inch around or less. You may also consider getting “strip-type” magnets that are more flexible, depending on the size and shape of the objects you plan to use. If you want a long, sturdy magnet to mount for organizing metal objects, look for a “magnetic tool holder” at your local hardware store. You can find these online too!

If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in Quincy, FL, please call the caring staff at Hopewell In-Home Senior Care today at 850-386-5552. Providing Senior Care Services in North Florida.

Brian Moran, RN is both a Partner and Director of Marketing for Hopewell In-Home Senior Care. Brian has worked at the Bellevue Hospital in NYC, Tallahassee Community Hospital, Select Specialty Hospital and has over 12 years’ experience as a home health care nurse at American Home Patient. Since joining Hopewell In-Home Senior Care in 2008, Brian has used his knowledge of health care and local resources to help seniors in Tallahassee, FL navigate the medical resource maze. His goal is to assist seniors and their families by increasing awareness, affordability and quality of in-home caregiver services for those who wish to age in place.

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